U.S. patent number 4,749,242 [Application Number 07/064,407] was granted by the patent office on 1988-06-07 for drawer slide.
Invention is credited to Robert Rechberg.
United States Patent |
4,749,242 |
Rechberg |
June 7, 1988 |
Drawer slide
Abstract
A multi-member drawer slide automatically latches in both the
fully extended end fully unextended positions. A largest, first,
linear member is affixed to a cabinet; second and third
intermediate linear members slide on ball bearings within the
linear channel of next larger members; and a smallest, fourth,
linear member slides frictionally within a linear channel of the
third member and is affixed to a drawer. A latch frame affixed to
the channel of the third member extends transversely to the members
to a position exterior the first member's side. A pivot bar
pivotably maintained on this latch frame selectively engages the
first members's end, thereby holding the second and third members
fully extended. In one embodiment this same pivot bar engages the
first member's other end to maintain all members fully unextended.
In another embodiment another latch is mounted to the first
member's side and engages a fourth member end flange to hold all
members fully unextended. A final latch retains the fourth member
within the third member's channel.
Inventors: |
Rechberg; Robert (Anaheim,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
22055772 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/064,407 |
Filed: |
June 22, 1987 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/333;
312/334.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
88/493 (20170101); A47B 2210/0032 (20130101); A47B
2210/0059 (20130101); A47B 2210/0035 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
88/04 (20060101); A47B 88/10 (20060101); A47B
088/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/333,334,337,341R,348,218 ;384/18,21 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Sakran; Victor N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stetina and Brunda
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A drawer slide comprising:
a first and a second and a third linear member, each having (i)
first and second ends and (ii) an elongated channel;
wherein the second member is slidingly received within the channel
of the first member from an to an extended position whereat the
second member's first end extends beyond the first member and its
channel;
wherein the third member is slidingly received within the channel
of the second member from an unextended position whereat the third
member's first end is adjacent the second member's first end to an
extended position whereat the third member's first end extends
beyond the second member and its channel;
a fourth linear member slidingly received within the channel of the
third member from an unextended position whereat the fourth
member's first end is adjacent the third member's first end to an
extended position whereat the fourth member's first end extends
beyound the third member and its channel and further, to a
superextended position where the fourth member is extractable from
the third member's channel; and
a latch comprising:
a frame mounted to the third member's channel proximate the third
member's second end and extending to the exterior of a side of the
first member's channel;
a pivot axis supported by the frame;
a pivot bar pivoting about the pivot axis;
wherein the pivot bar assumes an engaged first position contacting
the first member's first end in order to hold the second and third
members in their extended positions;
wherein the pivot bar assumes an unengaged second position exterior
to the side of the first member's channel; and
a second latch, mounted to the exterior of the first member's
channel, having a pivot bar selectively engaging the first ends of
the first through fourth members to hold the second through fourth
members in their unextended positions.
2. The drawer slide according to claim 1 wherein the fourth member
comprises:
a first end flange extending from a central location at the first
end of the member transversely across a portion of the third
member's first end, across a portion of the second member's first
end, and to a position opposite a portion of the first member's
first end; and
wherein the second latch pivot bar selectively engages the first
ends of the first through fourth members by contacting the fourth
linear member's flange.
3. The drawer slide according to claim 1 wherein the second latch
comprises:
a pivot axle for the pivot bar;
a spring between the pivot bar and the first member for biasing
with spring force the pivot bar to engage, at a point along this
pivot bar, the first ends of the first through fourth members.
4. The drawer slide according to claim 1 wherein the third member
and the fourth member collectively comprise:
a spring-loaded wedge mounted to one of the third or fourth members
and engaging a cavity within the other one of the third or fourth
members;
wherein the spring-loaded wedge assumes an engaged position
retaining the fourth member at its unextended position;
wherein the spring-loaded wedge assumes an unengaged position to
allow the fourth member to slide to its extended position.
5. The drawer slide according to claim 4 wherein the spring-loaded
wedge is mounted to the fourth member and wherein the cavity is
within the third member.
6. The drawer slide according to claim 1 wherein the second latch
includes:
a spring for biasing the pivot bar for selectively hooking.
7. An apparatus for selectively latching a multi-member
nested-member drawer slide fully closed and unextended and fully
open and extended, the apparatus comprising:
a flange mounted upon a first end of an innermost nested member of
the drawer slide, the flange extending transversely to the slide
and past the ends of intermediate nested members of the drawer
slide to terminate in a flange end which is positioned opposite a
first end of an outermost member of the multi-member drawer
slide;
a first latch comprising:
a latch frame mounted at the exterior of the outermost member near
its first end;
a pivot axis supported by the latch frame;
a pivot bar pivoting upon the pivot axis;
a hook upon an end of the pivot bar upon a first side of the pivot
axis;
a spring upon the second side of the pivot axis for spring biasing
the pivoting motion of the pivot bar about the pivot axis;
wherein the pivot bar hook is biased by the spring to, upon such
times as the flange is positioned closely opposite the outermost
member's first end, extend over the first end of the outermost
member sufficiently far so as to latch the innermost member flange
and thereby maintain all of the multiple nested members in their
closed and unextended positions and prevented from sliding
extension;
wherein the pivot bar is adapted to be manually pivoted against the
spring bias so that the pivot bar hook does not extend over the
first end of the outermost member sufficiently far so as to latch
the innermost member flange; and
a second latch comprising:
a latch frame mounted to the second innermost member near its
second end and extending transversely from this member to a
position beyond the exterior of the outermost member;
a pivot axis supported by the latch frame at a position beyond the
exterior of the outermost member;
a pivot bar pivoting upon the pivot axis;
a spring upon a first side of the pivot axis for spring biasing the
pivoting motion of the pivot bar about the pivot axis;
wherein the end of the pivot bar upon the first side of the pivot
axis is biased by the spring to scape along the exterior of the
first member until, and unless, all members save the innermost are
fully extended, the pivot bar then being biased by the spring to a
position wedging against the first end of the outermost member,
thereby latching all members save the innermost in said fully
extended position.
8. A drawer slide comprising:
three, first and second and third, linear members each having (i)
first and second ends and (ii) a channel;
wherein the second member is sliding within the channel of the
first member to an extended position beyond the first member's
first end;
wherein the third member is sliding within the channel of the
second member to an extended position beyond the third member's
first end; p1 a fourth linear member having first and second
ends;
wherein the fourth member is sliding within the channel of the
third member to an extended position beyond the third member;
a first latch comprising:
a frame mounted to the third member's channel proximate the third
member's second end and extending to the exterior of a side of the
first member's channel, thereby this mounting precluding that the
fourth member should slide beyond the third member's second
end;
a pivot axis supported by the frame; and
a pivot bar pivoting about the pivot axis;
wherein the pivot bar assumes an engaged first position wedging the
first member's first end in order to hold the second end third
members in their extended positions;
wherein the pivot bar assumes an unengaged second position exterior
to the side of the first member's channel;
wherein the pivot bar assumes an engaged third position hooking the
first member's third end in order to hold the second member
unextended within the third member's channel and also the second
member unextended within the first member's channel; and
a second latch comprising:
a spring-loaded wedge mounted to a one of the third or the fourth
member at a position between then; and
a cavity defined by and within the other one of the third or the
fourth members;
wherein the spring-loaded wedge assumes an engaged first position
wedging a wall of the cavity in order to hold the fourth member
unextended within the third member's channel;
wherein the spring-loaded wedge assumes an unengaged second
position allowing the fourth member to slide within the channel of
the third member.
9. A drawer slide comprising:
a first linear member having and defining (i) first and second
ends, and (ii) a channel having first and second sides, each side
having an exterior wall and an interior wall which is adapted for a
bearing raceway;
a second linear member having and defining (i) first and second
ends, and (ii) a channel having first and second sides, each side
having an exterior wall which is adapted for a bearing raceway and
an interior wall which is adapted for a bearing raceway;
first bearings retained between the first member's channel's first
side's interior wall and the second member's channel's first side's
exterior wall, and also between the first member's channel's second
side's interior wall and the second member's channel's second
side's exterior wall;
wherein the second member may slide by bearing suspension within
the first member's channel from an unextended position whereat the
second member's first end is proximate to the first member's first
end, to an extended position whereat the second member's first end
extends outside of the first member's channel and beyond the first
member's first end;
a third linear member having and defining (i) first and second
ends, and (ii) a channel having first and second sides, each side
having an exterior wall which is adapted for a bearing raceway and
an interior wall presenting a first sliding engagement surface;
second bearings retained between the second member's channel's
first side's interior wall and the third member's channel's first
side's exterior wall, and also between the second member's
channel's second side's interior wall and the third member's
channel's second side's exterior wall;
wherein the third member may slide by bearing suspension within the
second member's channel from an unextended position whereat the
third member's first end is proximate to the second member's first
end, to an extended position whereat the third member's first end
extends outside of the second member's channel and beyond the
second member's first end;
a fourth linear member having and defining (i) first and second
ends, (ii) exterior sides having second sliding engagement surfaces
which are complementary with the third member's channel's side's
interior wall first sliding engagement surfaces, and (iii) a first
end flange extending transversely from the member to a position
overlapping the third member's channel's first side's first end,
further overlapping the second member's channel's first side's
first end, and further overlapping the first member's channel's
first side's first end;
wherein the fourth member may slide within the third member's
channel from an unextended position whereat the fourth member's
first end flange is proximate to the third member's first end and
also to the second member's first end and also to the first
member's first end, to an extended position whereat the fourth
member is withdrawn from the third member's channel;
a first latch, mounted to the first member's channel first exterior
wall proximate the first member's first end, having a latch portion
which IF the fourth member is in its unextended position within the
third member's channel AND the third member is in its unextended
position within the second member's channel AND the second member
is in its unextended position within the first member's channel
THEN the latch portion engages the fourth member's first end flange
and retains all members in their respective unextended positions,
ELSE IF the fourth member's first end flange is not proximate the
first member's first end because one or more of the fourth, third,
and second members are not within their respective unextended
positions THEN the latch portion engages nothing and does not
interfere with the sliding of any member;
a second latch, mounted to the third member's channel proximate the
third member's second end, having a latch portion which IF the
third member is in its extended position within the second member's
channel AND the second member is in its extended position within
the first member's channel THEN the latch portion engages the first
member's channel's second wall's first end and retains the third
and second members in their respective extended positions while not
affecting the fourth member, ELSE IF either or both of the third
and second members are not within their respective extended
positions THEN the latch portion engages nothing and does not
interfere with the sliding of any member.
10. The drawer slide according to claim 9 wherein the first latch
further comprises:
a spring biasing the latch portion to its position engaging the
fourth member's first end flange.
11. The drawer slide according to claim 9 wherein the first latch
further comprises:
a pivot upon the first member's channel's first side exterior wall
proximate the first member's first end;
a lever arm extending about the pivot and having a first end and
having a second end hook directed toward the first member at a
position along the first member which extends beyond the first
member's first end;
a spring between the first member's channel first exterior wall and
the lever arm first end for exerting an expansion force causing the
lever arm second end hook to fall over the first member's channel's
first side first end therein engaging the fourth member's first end
flange.
12. The drawer slide according to claim 11 wherein the first latch
lever arm first end further comprises:
an extension adapted for grasping by the fingers for movement in a
direction transversely away from the first member, therein
releasing the second end hook engagement of the fourth member's
first end flange.
13. The drawer slide according to claim 9 wherein the second latch
comprises:
a spring biasing the latch portion to its engaging the first
member's channel's second wall's first end.
14. The drawer slide according to claim 9 wherein the second latch
comprises:
a stanchion mounted to the third member's channel and extending
transversely to this channel to a position beyond the first
member's channel's second side's exterior wall;
an axle shaft affixed to the stanchion;
a lever arm having a first end and a second end, and pivoting upon
the axle shaft; and
a spring between the stanchion and the lever arm for exerting an
expansion force causing the lever arm second end to engage the
first member's channel's second wall's first end.
15. The drawer slide according to claim 14 wherein the second latch
lever arm first end comprises:
an extension adapted for pushing by the fingers for movement in a
direction transversely toward the first member therein releasing
the lever arm's second end engagement of the first member's
channel's second wall's first end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally concerns drawer slides, and
particularly concerns sliding multi-member drawer slides which
latch in both the extended and unextended positions.
It is known in the prior art to create drawer slides from a
multiplicity of substantially linear metal members. Each metal
member slides within the interior channel of a next successively
larger member. By a succession of such members a drawer, or other
object, which is supported for sliding motion by such members may
be maintained in a first position within a cabinet when the members
are unextended, or may be supported at a second position outside
the cabinet when the slide members are extended.
The prior art drawer members make certain accommodations to their
sliding and suspension function. They may be made of light alloy
metals, and incorporate relieved areas, to reduce weight. The
suspension between members may be by ball or roller bearings. A
final one of the sliding members which attaches to a drawer, or
other object, may be releasable and detachable from the other
members so that the drawer may be completely extracted from its
sliding suspension within a cabinet. Finally, it is known that
drawer slides may be latched in both the extended and unextended
positions.
In performing its function, a drawer slide should be strong,
lightweight, compact, and durable. In performance of the latching
function, the drawer slide should be positive acting with tactile
feedback to a manual actuation, and should engage the slide members
in both their unextended and extended positions in a strong and
comprehensive manner prohibiting all movement among and between the
members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is embodied in a multi-member, sliding drawer
slide which latches in both the extended and unextended positions.
Two embodiments of drawer slides in accordance with the present are
disclosed. Each embodiment particularly includes three linear
members each of which members has first (front) and second (rear)
ends and also has a longitudinal channel having first and second
sides. Each successive one of the three linear members slides
within the channel of a next larger one of the three linear
members. Two of the members each slide from a first, unextended,
position whereat its first end is adjacent to the first end of the
next larger member's channel within which the member is retained,
to a second, extended, position whereat the member's end extends
beyond the first end of the next larger member.
Still a fourth linear member, having first and second ends, slides
within the channel of a third member. Like the two other sliding
members, this fourth member slides from an unextended position,
whereat its first end is adjacent the third member's first end, to
an extended position whereat it extends beyond, and indeed may be
selectively removed from, the channel of the third member. By this
nested construction a number of drawer slide members, nominally
four in number, permit a considerable spatial sliding extension of
a drawer, or chassis. Nominally the first and largest linear member
is affixed to the sidewalls of the interior cavity of the cabinet,
whereas the fourth and smallest linear member is affixed to the
sidewalls of the drawer--but this can be reversed.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention two
positive-acting latch mechanisms selectively latch the nested
drawer slide members in their respective unextended and extended
positions. Particularly, a first latch is mounted to the exterior
of the first member's channel's first side. This first latch has a
pivot bar which selectively contacts or cooperates with the first
ends of the first through fourth members in order to hold the
sliding second through fourth members in their unextended
positions. The latching function performed by the first latch pivot
bar is aided by a first end flange formed upon the fourth linear
member. This first end flange extends transversely from the fourth
linear member across the third and second members' first ends to a
position opposite the first member's first end. It is the latching
of this fourth member flange by the first latch pivot bar which
particularly retains all drawer slide members securely in their
unextended positions.
Also in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention, a second latch is provided for holding the sliding
second through third members in their extended positions. This
second latch has a frame which is mounted to the third member's
channel and which extends to the exterior of the first member. This
second latch also has a pivot bar which selectively engages the
first member's first end in order to hold the second and third
members in their extended positions. Both the pivot bar of the
first latch and the pivot bar of second latch are biased (nominally
by springs) to assume their latching positions, and are selectively
manually actuable to release the drawer slide members for
extension, or for retraction, as the case may be.
In a second embodiment of a drawer slide in accordance with the
present invention, a single latch is employed to hold the drawer
slide members, at separate times, in either their extended and
unextended positions. The latch has a frame which is mounted
proximate the second end of the third member's channel and which
extends to the exterior of the first member. This mounting and
extension is similar to the second latch within the first
embodiment of the present invention. The latch has a pivot bar
which alternatively selectively (i) engages the first member's
first end to hold the second and third drawer slide members in
their extended positions, or (ii) engages the first member's second
end in order to hold all drawer slide members in their unextended
positions. The latch is manually actuated for engagement by a
connecting rod which extends to the front of the drawer, or
chassis, which is suspended by the drawer slides. Therefore manual
access to the latch for controlling it to hold the drawer slide
members in either their extended or unextended positions is
improved.
Each of the first and the second embodiments of drawer slides in
accordance with the present invention may optionally incorporate a
final latch which retains the fourth member within the channel of
the third member. Release of this latch, which is possible only
when the third member is extended, allows the fourth member
(connected to the drawer) to be slid beyond, and to ultimately be
completely withdrawn from, the third member's channel.
The drawer slides in accordance with the present invention are
positive-acting in their sliding and latching, and are very strong.
The latching in particular is performed by the engagement of major
surfaces, and is approximately as strong as the drawer slide
itself.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects of the present invention will become
increasingly clear upon reference to the drawings wherein.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a right
and of a left drawer slide in accordance with the present invention
disposed in an operational environment.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a first embodiment of an unextended
right drawer slide in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an
extended right drawer slide in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in cross section,
particularly showing the bearing suspension within the first
embodiment of a right drawer slide in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing a second embodiment of a
right and of a left drawer slide in accordance with the present
invention disposed in an operational environment.
FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of an extended right
drawer slide in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a detail cross-sectional view particularly showing a
latch between a third and a fourth member of each embodiment drawer
slide in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is embodied in a multi-member drawer slide
which latches in both the extended and unextended positions. A
first embodiment of a drawer slide in accordance with the present
invention is generally shown in FIGS. 1-4. A first embodiment of a
right drawer slide 1 and of a left drawer slide 2 are shown
disposed in an operational environment supporting drawer 3 in FIG.
1. As may be observed, one side of each drawer slide 1,
2--nominally that side presented by member 40 (shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3)--is fastened to the drawer 3. The other side of each drawer
slide 1, 2--nominally that side presented by first member 10 (shown
in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3)--is fastened to a cabinet or other enclosure
(not shown) which supports both drawer slides 1, 2 and the drawer
3. Drawer slides 1, 2 operate to allow the drawer 3 to be extended
from its cabinet housing.
A side view of the preferred embodiment of a right drawer slide 1
in its unextended position, and a perspective view of the same
right drawer slide 1 in its fully extended position, are
respectively shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. As will be recognized, the
structure and function of both the right and left drawer slides is
identical except for their reversed image orientations, and hence
for purposes of description. The disclosure of the sides 1 and 2
will be described only in relation to the right drawer slide 1. The
drawer slide 1 includes first, outermost, linear member 10; second
and third intermediate, nested, linear members 20, 30; and fourth,
innermost, nested, linear member 40. Each of the linear members 10,
20, 30 has an interior channel, for example interior channel 11 to
member 10, within which the next smaller member slides. The last,
fourth, member 40 fits within the channel of third member 30. Each
of the sliding members 10, 20, 30, 40 has a first (front) and
second (rear) end, for example, first end 12 and second end 13 to
member 10. When the members 20, 30, 40 are disposed in their
unextended positions, as illustrated in FIG. 2, then the first ends
of each member are aligned, and are proximate to each other. When
the members 20, 30 are disposed in their extended positions, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, then the first end of member 20 extends
beyond the first end 12 of member 10, and likewise the first end of
member 30 extends beyond the first end of member 20. Member 40 is
shown unextended from the channel of member 30 in FIG. 3.
The detailed structure of the linear members 10, 20, 30, 40, and
their suspension one to the next, is best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3
and 4. The first member 10 is possessed of relieved areas, or
holes, 14 in order to reduce weight. It has a plurality of
countersunk holes 15 in order that it may be mounted to a cabinet
by countersunk screws or bolts in a manner which allows member 20
to slide without obstruction within channel 11.
The interior side edges to channel 11 of member 10, and the
exterior side edges of member 20, jointly define a bearing raceway.
Within this bearing raceway are positioned steel ball bearings 50,
and teflon bearing spacers 51, as is best observed in FIG. 4. The
total linear extent of the bearings 50, and bearing spacers 51, are
such that they fit tightly within the bearing raceway, and between
the first end 12 to member 10 and the second end to member 20, when
the member 20 is fully extended as illustrated in FIG. 3. The
bearings 50 and bearing spacers 51 are maintained within the
bearing raceway between pins 21 which extend into the bearing
raceway at the second end of member 20, and pins 16 which extend
into the same bearing raceway at the first end of member 10.
Similarly, there is a pin 22 at the first end of member 20 which
extends into the bearing raceway between the member 20 and the
member 30, and a pin 31 at the second end of member 30 which
extends into this same raceway. Within this bearing raceway between
members 20 and 30 are additional bearings 50 and bearing spacers
51, as may again be observed in FIGS. 3 and 4. These bearings 50
and bearing spacers 51 are retained within the raceway by pins 22
and 31 extending into the raceway.
The fourth member 40 is not suspended by bearings within the
channel of linear member 30; rather it simply slides within this
channel. The member 40 could be stopped in the extent of its
maximum entrance into the channel of member 30 by its first end
flange 41. However, in order to reduce the considerable stress upon
this flange which may occur when a heavy drawer, or chassis, which
is mounted to holes 42 of member 40 is slid inwards, thereby
forcing member 40 powerfully down the channel of member 30, a stop
to member 40 is provided by pin 32 within the channel of member
30.
The relative suspension of the members 10, 20, 30 and 40 permits
their sliding movement, each one to the next, between a first,
unextended, position and a second, extended, position. The
bidirectional movement of member 20 relative to member 10, and of
member 30 relative to member 20, and the movement in a one
(inwards) direction of member 40 relative to member 30, is
constrained even without the action of latches. To repeat, latches
50, 60, 70 which are within the drawer slide 1 in accordance with
the present invention are not necessary to hold the drawer slide 1
together in operative configuration. Particularly, members 20, 30
are restrained in their fully unextended positions, and are
restrained from exiting the second end of member 10, by post 17
across the channel 11 of member 10. Member 40 is restrained for
movement in this same second end direction by the pin 32 within the
channel of member 30. Meanwhile, member 20 is restrained from being
extracted from the first end of the channel 11 of member 10 jointly
by the bearings 50 and bearings spacers 51 which are captured in
the raceway between such members. The member 30 is similarly
prevented from being extracted from the first end of member 20.
Therefore, and prior to discussion of the latches of the drawer
slide 1 in accordance with the present invention, it should be
understood that the members of such drawer slide 1 are basically
constrained in the extent of their individual and collective
sliding to unextended and extended positions even without the
action of latches.
The latches 50, 60, 70 within the drawer slide 1 in accordance with
the present invention engage automatically under spring force when
the members 10, 20, 30, 40 are in their fully unextended, or fully
extended, alignments or positions. When engaged, the latches 50,
60, 70 can absorb great force: force which is commensurate with
what the drawer slide 1 can itself withstand. This is important
when the suspended drawer is heavy and/or must be protected against
inadvertent movement from either the fully housed (unextended
drawer slide 1) or fully extended positions. The suspension of
certain electronics chassis, ruggedized drawer slide applications,
and militarized drawer slide applications are examples of
requirements for drawer slides which provide strong positive
positional control. This strong positional control is so provided
by drawer slides in accordance with the present invention.
The latches 50, 60, 70 within the drawer slide 1 in accordance with
the present invention are respectively for (i) holding members 20,
30 in the fully extended positions, (ii) holding all members 10,
20, 30, 40 in the unextended position, and (iii) holding member 40
in its unextended position within the channel of member 30.
Particularly, the location, structure, and function of latches 50
and 70 are common within both embodiments of the present
invention.
In the first embodiment of the drawer slide 1 of the present
invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, latch 50 comprises a frame 51 which
is mounted to the channel of member 30 proximate the second end of
member 30. This frame 51 extends to the exterior side of the
channel 11 of the first member 10. This extension can be to either
exterior side of the channel. The extension of frame 51 is
illustrated to be to the bottom exterior side of channel 11 in that
first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, and is illustrated to be to
the top exterior side of channel 11 in that second embodiment shown
in FIGS. 5 and 6. At its furthest extension from its mounting point
within the channel of member 30 the frame 51 defines a pivot axis,
or pivot pin, 52.
A pivot bar 53 pivots about this pivot axis 52. The pivot bar 53
assumes an engaged first position wherein it abuts the first end 12
to member 10 when both the members 20, 30 are fully extended. The
pivot bar 53 is biased to assume its first, engaged, position by a
spring 54 located between the frame 51 and the pivot bar 53. When
the pivot bar 53 and the latch 50 is so spring biased, then the
pivot bar 53 will automatically assume its engaged first position
upon such times as members 20 and 30 are fully extended. In order
to release this engaged first position, and in order to allow the
return of members 20, 30 from their fully extended positions, a
manual pressure is applied to the first end of pivot bar 53 toward
the members thereby causing disengagement of the second end of the
pivot bar 53 from its abutted position against the first end 12 to
member 10. If, after this momentary release of latch 50, the pivot
bar 53 is then allowed to reassume, under spring force, contact
with the exterior side of channel 11 to member 10, then this
contact only means that the second end of pivot bar 53 will slide
along the exterior side of member 10 without difficulty until it,
and the entire latch 50, ultimately assume the position shown in
FIG. 2.
Another latch 60 employed within the drawer slide 1 in accordance
with the present invention is used to selectively retain sliding
members 20, 30, 40 in their unextended positions. This latch 60 is
mounted to the exterior side of channel 11 of first frame member 10
on the opposite side to latch 50. This latch 60 has a latch frame
61 which is mounted to the exterior side (of the channel 11) of
linear member 10 near the first end 12 of this linear member 10.
The latch frame 61 supports a pivot axis, or pin, 62. A pivot bar
63 is supported for pivoting upon the pivot axis 62. The pivot bar
63 presents a hook or shoulder upon its first end which is disposed
to one side of the pivot axis 62. This hook or shoulder 64 of the
pivot bar 63 assumes a first, engaged, position which is
illustrated in solid line in FIG. 2. It may be momentarily manually
moved to a second, disengaged position which is illustrated by
dashed line in FIG. 2. Finally, the pivot bar 63 may return to its
initial first position as illustrated in FIG. 3.
Particularly, the hook 64 of the pivot bar 63 of the latch 60 is
operative to engage, and abut, the first ends of the sliding
members 20, 30, 40 only when such members are within their fully
unextended positions. To do so, the hook 64 itself extends
downwardly through a short distance only so far so as to fall only
over the first end 12 to member 10 at a slight seperation
therefrom. The hook 64 does not extend so far so as to interfere
with the extension of sliding member 20 (and sliding member 30)
which is illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly in order to affect a
latching retention of sliding members 20, 30, the hook 64 of pivot
bar 63 of latch 60 needs to be, and is, interactive with flange 41
to member 40. This first end flange 41 to member 40 extends
transversly from the member 40 across the first end side of third
member 30, across the first end side of second member 20, and to a
position opposite the first end side 12 of first member 10. At this
point the flange 41 of the fourth member 40 may be engaged by the
hook 64 of pivot bar 63 as shown in FIG. 2. Since the flange 41
overlays the first end of all sliding members 20, 30, 40, the
entire drawer slide 1 is latched by latch 60 in its fully
unextended position.
The pivot bar 63 to latch 60 is preferably, optionally, biased to
assume its engaged first and unengaged third positions. This bias
is preferably accomplished by a spring 65 which is positioned
between the frame 61 and a second end of pivot bar 63. The spring
65 exerts an expansion force which tends to force the pivot bar 63
to that position which is illustrated in solid line in both FIGS. 2
and 3. In order to disengage the pivot bar 63 from this latching
position, it may be grasped between the fingers at its first end
and manually lifted.
The latches 50, 60 to drawer guide 1 in accordance with the present
invention are thus seen to secure and latch the sliding members in
their fully unextended and their fully extended positions
automatically during movement of the members respectively assuming
their unextended or extended positions. This is called
"positive-acting" or "positive latching". The latches 50, 60 are
manually releasable from their holding engagement. Particularly,
both latches 50, 60 are released by a force which is exerted in the
same direction. This is true even though the pivot bar member 53 to
latch 50 is depressed toward the sliding members 20, 30, 40 by its
first end whereas the pivot bar 63 to latch 60 is lifted away from
these same sliding members 20, 30, 40 by its first end. Further
analysis of the forces, and the direction of such forces, involved
in the operation drawer guide 1 in accordance with the present
invention will be obvious to a practitioner of the mechanical
arts.
A second embodiment of a right drawer slide 4, and of a left drawer
slide 5, in accordance with the present invention are illustrated
in deployed position in FIG. 5 which is similar to the illustration
of drawer slides 1, 2 in FIG. 1. Similar to the drawer slides 1, 2,
each of the drawer slides 4, 5, employs linear members 10, 20, 30,
40. These members are retained for sliding within the channels of
one another just as they are within the first embodiment of the
drawer slides 1, 2. The second embodiment of the drawer slides 4, 5
employ only one latch 70 to perform the function of both latches 50
and 60 in the first embodiment of the drawer slides 1, 2 in
accordance with the present invention. This latch 70 is seen in
side view in FIG. 6 which shows the second embodiment of a right
drawer slide 4.
The latch 70 has a frame 71 which is mounted to the channel of the
third member 30 proximate its second end, and which extends
transversely from this channel mounting to the exterior side of the
channel of the first member 10; both this mounting and extension
being similar to latch 50 in the first embodiment drawer guide 1, 2
in accordance with the present invention. The latch 70 also
includes a pivot axis, or pin, 72 and a pivot bar 73 pivoting about
the pivot axis. Control of the position of the pivot bar 73 is by
pull rod 74 which connects by a pinned joint 77 to the first end of
the pivot bar 73. This rod 74 extends a sufficient axial distance
so that it's distal end is positioned adjacent to the front of
drawer, or chassis, 3 at all extension positions of the second
embodiment drawer slides 4, 5. The position of rod 74, and of pivot
bar 73 to which it connects, is biased by the force provided by
spring 75. The spring 75 acts between frame 71 and a retainer 78
near the second end of pull rod 74 to push this rod toward the
second end and to cause the pivot bar 73 to press inwardly toward
the channel 11 of member 10. When the sliding members 20, 30 are
fully extended then this biasing force will force pivot bar 73 into
the position illustrated in solid line in FIG. 6 whereat it will
engage or about the first end 12 of the first member 10.
In order to release the pivot bar 73 against the force of spring 75
from this engaged first position, the knob 76 to rod 74 is
momentarily pulled simultaneously to the drawer 3 being pushed
inward, thereby causing the sliding members 20, 30 to move inwardly
from their fully extended positions. After this occurrance, the
pivot bar 73 will assume an unengaged second position (not
illustrated) which is against the exterior side of the channel 11
of first member 10. At this position the pivot bar 73 will slide
along the exterior side of the channel of first member 10, and will
not interfere with the sliding motion of any drawer member.
When each of the drawer members 20, 30, 40 is in its fully
unextended, i.e. contracted, position, then the latch 70, and the
pivot arm member 73 thereof, will be in a position at the second
end of all members. At this position the hook of the pivot member
73 will fall over, and engage, the second end of first member 10.
In this engaged third position hooking the second end of first
member 10, the pivot bar 73 will hold each of the sliding member
20, 30 40 in their unextended positions. Thus a single latch 70
serves to latch the sliding members 20, 30 in both their extended,
and unextended positions.
Still another latch, optionally used in both the first and the
second embodiments of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 7.
The latch 80 shown therein is located between the third member 30
and the fourth member 40. It is nominally located along the length
of such substantially linear members approximately at location of
aspect line 7--7 shown in FIG. 6, but may be located anywheres
between the overlapping structure of the members. The latch 80
operates by a spring-loaded wedge 81 which is pin mounted to either
one of the third member 30 or the fourth member 40. The
spring-loaded wedge 81 engages a cavity 82 formed in the other one
of the linear members from that member within which it is mounted.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the
spring-loaded wedge 81 is within, and mounted by pinning to, the
fourth member 40, whereas the cavity 82 is within the side of third
member 30. The wedging surface of spring-loaded wedge 81 is
substantially a flat chisel surface, and the cavity 82 is normally
square in shape presenting a flat opposing wall to this chisel
surface.
The latch 80 is illustrated in its engaged position within FIG. 7.
In this position it retains the fourth linear member 40 within its
unextended position within the third linear member 30. The
spring-loaded wedge 81 may be depressed by reaching with a
fingertip through orifice 82 and momentarily pushing such
spring-loaded member from contact with the sidewall of orifice 82
simultaneously that linear member 40 is withdrawn, or extended,
from linear member 30. After this manual release, the spring-loaded
wedge 81 assumes and maintains an unengaged position sliding along
the interior channel of linear member 30. This unengaged position
allows the fourth member 40 to slide to an extended position
protruding from member 30, and to further slide to a superextended
position wherein it may be completely withdrawn from member 30.
Therefore, the latch 80 in accordance with the present invention
provides that the entire drawer or chassis, 3 may be totally
withdrawn from either the first embodiment drawer slides 1, 2 or
the second embodiment drawer slides 4, 5 within which it is
mounted.
In accordance with the preceding discussion the present invention
has been seen to incorporate diverse aspects concerning the
detailed construction and interrelationship of members within a
sliding drawer slide, and concerning the latches controlling the
extension of such members. Consider the manner in which the latch
50 within the first embodiment of the present invention operates
equivalently to the latch 70 within the second embodiment of the
present invention even though they are oppositely disposed. It is
obviously possible for one having ordinary skill in the art of
mechanical design to relocate certain of the latch elements, and
their engagement surfaces, within the drawer slide apparatus of the
present invention without departing from the true scope and spirit
of the invention. For example, if the design of the enclosing
cabinet permits, then the hooking action of latch 60 (visible in
FIGS. 2 and 3) could be performed from the large, flat, rear
exterior side--and not from the top or bottom exterior sides--of
channel 11 to outer member 10. In such position the latch 60 would
be disposed to the side of member 10 the latch 60. However, it
would still engage the flange 41 at the end of fourth linear member
40. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that each of
the latch mechanisms disclosed herein can be utilized separately or
in combination with one another to facilitate latching either in
the extended, unextended, or both extended and unextended positins
of the drawer slides. Corresponding to such obvious alterations,
the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the
language of the following claims, only, and not solely in
accordance with those two preferred embodiments within which the
present invention has been taught.
* * * * *